CHAPTER NINE

Cleon where are we? Stepping close to the cave's mouth I heard Cleon say "Elemium Focite" immediately I heard the howl of a wolf. I instinctively hid behind Cleon peeping through his shoulder. Casting him a sideways glance he looks calm. Looking back towards the cave I saw a real-life wolf coming out of the cave I immediately hid my face in Cleon's back. Although I know the story of the sentinel wolves guarding the four corners of Aegalia is real, still I couldn't help but be scared seeing one. Cleon however chuckled when I hid my face. Raising my head a little I saw Cleon and the wolf starring at each other as if mentally communicating. Looking back at him I felt a pain in my heart for this handsome Prince wondering what would make him wander far from the palace to befriend a wolf. I decided there and then to always stand beside him. Thanking the sentinel wolf for the information given to me. I turned to see Evelinde starring at my face. Red I know I'm very handsome and I don't mind you staring at me for eternity however we have a magical creature to hunt down and it will be dark soon so we better get going. Who said you are handsome you are the ugly prince of Aegalia she stuttered while turning red. Your face says otherwise I taunted her making her redder. Laughing at how red she is and fearing she might explode I started walking in the direction the wolf said the magical creature will be at. How did you come to know the wolf I heard a soft voice asking me. Looking at the distance I told her the story. I was ten when I went hunting with my dad and Casper. My dad didn't want to bring me along but decided to when the queen told him I should go with them that considering I have dark magic it will be an added layer of protection for Casper. While hunting Casper saw a rabbit and chased it. Knowing I was there for his protection I went after him. When I caught up with him he was holding the rabbit caressing his head. He drooped the rabbit on the floor looking for something to feed it when suddenly the rabbit slapped his exposed leg with its tongue rendering Casper unconscious. Seeing the rabbit running away and hearing my father's voice not far away calling for Casper and knowing I won't be leaving him alone since my father will find him soon, I chased it thinking if I were to catch it the royal doctors will know how to save Casper. After running for a long time I came to this part of the forest seeing the cave and thinking the rabbit must have ran inside I decided to go inside in search of it when I felt a slight pain on my leg looking down I found the creature that resembled a rabbit. Reaching my hand to pick it I suddenly staggered feeling dizzy. That was when I heard the wolf's voice inside my head telling me I've been poisoned by the creature that I needed an antidote. My eyes changed to black as a defense system. I would have fallen unconscious like Casper if not for the dark magic in me. Climbing the wolves back he took me behind the cave and I made a potion using the leaf of the dahlia plant after drinking it I regained myself but my eyes were still black. Telling the wolf all that happened he took me to a path that will lead me to the gate of the castle. With the antidote in my hand, I went looking for Casper. When the maids saw me they immediately informed the King. Entering Caspers's room I saw the Queen and my siblings crying with Casper still unconscious lying on the bed. Walking towards them I gave the antidote to one of the doctors to administer to him. My dad came in and seeing my black eyes started beating me calling me the devil's spawn and other names saying I wanted to kill Casper. Casper woke up then after the doctors gave him the antidote. My dad asked him what happened not knowing that the creature was not a rabbit he told them he chased a rabbit and when he was searching for what to feed it, he stopped after saying that and said he couldn't remember anything else that happened except waking up in his room. I tried telling my parents what happened but I only ended up being beaten again. From that moment on my siblings stayed away from me. So whenever I feel bored I will go look for the wolves since they can't leave their post once assigned, they gladly welcomed my friendship. I stopped walking when I heard sniffling sound I turned to find Evelinde crying. Why are you crying I asked raising her chin? I'm not crying I'm just sad she replied. I don't think you have it easy yourself considering you gave yourself to someone famed for being the lord of darkness. You don't have to feel sad at least we have each other now. Smiling at how cute she is I continued walking. So what are we hunting? We are hunting a magical creature called dark newt. The dark newt has been killing off the forest animals since the wolves can't leave their position we are going to kill this thing ourselves. Reaching a clearing I stopped and gestured to a tree. I will be there while you will be running around in circles wait for my signal before you start. The dark newt is blind so it is attracted to sound. Don't worry I won't give it a chance to get close to you let alone hurt you. Looking at Cleon walking towards the tree I couldn't believe I agreed to this madness. Trusting him not to let anything happen to me I waited for his signal. I watched him look for a good angle and started running when he gave me the go signal. I started running around in circles after running for a while I was about to ask Cleon how long I will continue running aimlessly when I heard a loud noise like the flapping of wings of a hundred birds. Raising my head I saw a creature flying towards me as it got nearer I saw a bird-like creature with large wings, four clawed feet, a tail, and a long beak. I closed my eyes and started screaming when I saw it getting dangerously close to me. Not feeling any pain but smelling something burnt I opened my eyes to discover that Cleon has burned it to ash using his elemental fire. Why were you screaming like a banshee he asked me? Why was i screaming you say, that thing was about to peck my head off and you are asking me why I was screaming I shouted at him. Hey calm down I promised that you will be fine right, I heard him say in a placating manner. Yeah, you did I told him, now can we go I'm tired. Looking around me I discovered it's already late and it will be nighttime before we get to the palace. After disposing of the remains of the dark newt Cleon and I headed back to the castle.

PREV INDEX Next